Zurab Talakvadze

Sandro Mamukelashvili was the leading scorer vs Finland

Well, the fairy tale of Georgian National Team is over. We fought hard, we cut the huge gap against Finland to 6 points in the fourth quarter, but that was it. Finland, was simply a better team and deserved to win. And, while majority of fans predicted the dominant game from Lauri Markkanen, NBA star had a quiet game (by his own standards) and Finland still was unstoppable. They were just on another level.

Was it a huge success for Georgia. Sure, it was. No team in the history of independent Georgia have ever reached the quarters. The closest was the NT in football, but we were demolished by the sadistic play of future champions, Spain at last European championships. So, yes, Georgia handed the duty with pride and Georgia was full of joy. We lost to almost flawless team with a splendid shooting from the long distance. And, trust me, Finland will give a fight to Germany. Simple. This team was destined to go far.

Sandro Mamukelashvili was the MVP for Georgia. In this tournament, in the last game, everywhere. Sandro finished the tournament averaging 15.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.4 dimes and 1.3 steals. Impressive stats.  Sandro was tough on boards and Sandro delivered every time Georgia was in trouble.

Goga Bitadze had more points (15.8) than Sandro, but was less effective on boards (5.8) and assists (1.9). Bitadze was blocking 1.8 shots and was one the best defenders of the whole tournament. Someday he might have lost his cool, but Bitadze was a defensive monster and he punished the rest.

And, we go to the great Captain. A player with some health issues and a player to be trusted. Ladies and gentleman, enter the arena with Tornike Shengelia. Toko, who recently signed with Barcelona, had his ups and downs, but all in all, he was the most important player for Georgia. He was the beast. Monster. And, Shengelia had the averages of 12.9 points, 3.9 rebounds and a 3.1 assists. Pretty impressive.

Kamar Baldwin was somehow lost in the finals, but still averaged 10.9 points and was great against France and in the other stages of the group play. Kamar was the ideal point guard for a team, without such a playmaker at all. He disappeared in the last game, but he was still leading the team with 4.0 assists. Never to blame against Finland. They were too good. Kamar should stay for another run for Georgia. We will need his presence in the upcoming games as well. Kamar is the Man.

Duda Sanadze had a game of his life against Finland. He was simply unbroken versus Finland and scored at will. With averages of 10.3 points and 2.0 made three pointer, Sanadze was a death threat from the long distance. Of course, he lacked the physical strength on the perimeter, but Sandro did the rest. Sanadze followed his father, a former GNT shooter, and is in great shape. Bravo, Sandro! Bravo!

Giorgi Shermadini. What a beautiful career did Giorgi have in the NT. A pivot with almost no weaknesses, a great teammate and one of the better big men in the world. His mentor, our dear friend (late) Jamlet Khukhashvili would have been happy. Giorgi retired in one game from NT, but soon changed his mind and came back. Shermadini deserves the good farewell. And he will get that.

The others were a so-so band of supporters. The best from this group was Beka Burjanadze with 4.1 points and 2.9 boards. Rati Andronikashvili was missing something and did not have his best tournament. He was ready and willing, but lacked some timely shooting. Best of luck to this youngster.

We will have a few words for our head coach as well, but for now, let me conclude this small journey and once again, thank team Georgia for the wonderful experience.

Georgia delivered.